About MLS NEXT:
MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
Current membership includes 133 clubs, 590 teams, 11,000+ players across the U.S. and Canada and features over 90% of the current youth national team player pools.
Program Benefits:
- Full-time coaching staff
- Technical/tactical training
- Video analysis of games
- Strength and conditioning program
League Benefits:
- Increased training sessions
- More meaningful games/competition
- National tournaments/showcases
- 10-11 month season
- Exposure to US Youth National Team Scouts, MLS Academies, and College Scouts
If you are interested in a trial and/or seeking additional information, please contact Program Director Blake Wagner at bwagner@tbusc.com. Additionally, please fill out our MLS Next Player Prospect Form so that we have all of your details.
MLS NEXT New Competition Tier Teams and Divisions (2025-26)
A part of history, we are excited to join MLS NEXT’s new competition tier this Fall!
MLS NEXT also announced the division structure and participating teams in the new tier of competition, which was previously unveiled in January. The new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Of those clubs, more than half previously competed outside of MLS NEXT. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth landscape with a strong commitment to player development – the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.
Regular season play will begin in September 2025, which will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.
A full breakdown of the divisions and participating clubs is available HERE.
For more information on MLS NEXT and its member clubs, please visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSNEXT.
